DOH pushes for wider tobacco sales buffer zones to reduce smoking

MANILA – The Department of Health urged lawmakers on Wednesday to significantly expand buffer zones restricting tobacco product sales and displays across the country. Dominic Maddumba, chief of the DOH's health promotion bureau, advocated for extending the no-sale perimeter to 500 meters, a substantial increase from the current 100-meter restriction. The proposal would create larger smoke-free areas, particularly around schools, health facilities, and other sensitive locations where minors congregate. Maddumba emphasized that the expanded buffer zones would serve as a critical public health intervention to curtail youth smoking initiation and limit access to tobacco products. Health officials argue that current restrictions have proven insufficient in preventing young Filipinos from obtaining cigarettes and other tobacco items. The DOH's recommendation comes amid growing concerns about rising smoking rates among adolescents and young adults in the Philippines. Lawmakers are being asked to consider the measure as part of broader tobacco control legislation aimed at protecting public health and reducing smoking-related diseases.